Chantilly, France – June 28, 2026 – From the 9th to 12th of July, the world’s show jumping elite will gather in Chantilly for one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the European summer season. Organised by Grand Prix Events in the heart of the Chantilly racecourse, between the Château de Chantilly and its magnificent Grandes Écuries, the Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa once again brings together some of the sport’s finest riders in a setting where top-level competition meets more than three centuries of equestrian heritage.
Some competitions captivate through their history, others through the quality of their sport. In Chantilly, both come together.
Nestled in one of the world’s great centres of equestrian culture, the vast grass arena of the Chantilly racecourse provides a spectacular stage for international show jumping every summer. In this unique setting, framed by the iconic silhouettes of the Château and the Grandes Écuries, the Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa has steadily established itself as one of the highlights of the European season.
From 9 to 12 July, established stars, emerging talents and future champions will gather in the Oise region for four days of top-level sport, featuring CSI 4*, CSI 2*, CSI 1* and CSIYH * competitions for seven- and eight-year-old horses.
Building towards the Al Shira’aa Tour Grand Prix Ville de Chantilly
As every year, the sporting programme gradually builds towards the show’s main event: the €106,000 Grand Prix Ville de Chantilly CSI 4*, held on Sunday July 12, over fences reaching 1.55m.
Before reaching this eagerly awaited highlight, riders will need to secure their place through the two major CSI 4* Big Tour classes: the first on Thursday, a 1.50m speed class against the clock, followed on Friday by a 1.50m class decided in a jump-off.
Saturday will feature the Grand Prix de la Laiterie de Montaigu, run under the always spectacular Winning Round format and serving as the final rehearsal before Sunday’s showcase event.
The First Names of a World-Class Field
The 2025 edition confirmed Chantilly’s international appeal, with nineteen nations represented in the CSI 4*. Riders of the calibre of Scott Brash (GBR), Kevin Staut (FRA), Jessica Mendoza (GBR), Pedro Veniss (BRA), Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), Barbara Schnieper (SUI) and Gudrun Patteet (BEL) all competed on the racecourse’s famous grass arena.
French rider Marc Dilasser (FRA) also produced one of the standout performances of the week. After winning the Prix Demeures de Campagne with Arioto du Gevres on the opening day, he went on to claim the Grand Prix Ville de Chantilly, winning the only two CSI4* classes he contested.
With the FEI World Championships in Aachen just a few weeks away, Chantilly’s vast grass arena could once again attract riders looking for valuable preparation ahead of the sport’s biggest championship event of the year.
With three weeks remaining before the 2026 edition, the first entries already point towards another exceptionally strong field.
Leading the early confirmations is Great Britain’s Scott Brash (GBR), currently world number three and a former Longines world number one, who enjoyed an outstanding start to the season thanks to several CSI 5* Grand Prix victories in Doha and Al Shaqab aboard his long-time partner Hello Jefferson.
He will be joined by American star Laura Kraut (USA), Olympic and World Championship medallist, who knows the Grandes Écuries arena well after winning the Grand Prix Ville de Chantilly in 2023.
Alongside them are Ireland’s Bertram Allen (IRL), who delivered a crucial double clear during Ireland’s victory in the 2024 CHIO Aachen Nations Cup, and France’s Olivier Perreau (FRA), team bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and recent winner of the Longines FEI Nations Cup of La Baule.
Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt (GER), Belgium’s Jérôme Guery (BEL), Brazil’s João Victor Castro Aguiar Gomes de Lima (BRA) and Portugal’s Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida (POR) are also among the first names announced for a field that is expected to grow even stronger in the coming weeks.
A First Edition under the Colours of Al Shira’aa
The 2026 edition marks an important milestone in the history of the event, as Al Shira’aa joins as title partner under a five-year agreement.
Founded in Abu Dhabi by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Honorary President of the Chantilly Classic, Al Shira’aa already supports some of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events and continues its commitment to the development of show jumping at the highest level.
“This edition is first and foremost a reward for our teams. It recognises several years of work dedicated to an event of which we are immensely proud. With Al Shira’aa now by our side, we will go even further in making it an even more unique experience for both riders and spectators,” said Vincent Goehrs, Founder and President of Grand Prix.
A Free Event Open to Everyone
Admission to the Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa is free throughout the event.
Beyond the sport itself, the venue becomes a vibrant destination for four days, welcoming visitors of all ages.
Families will enjoy a dedicated entertainment area featuring pony rides, circus workshops, mini show jumping courses and inflatable attractions. At the heart of the venue, the exhibitors’ village will bring together a wide range of brands and partners, including the official Chantilly Classic presented by Al Shira’aa merchandise store, offering T-shirts, jackets, bags, saddle pads and accessories in the event’s colours.
Saturday will also showcase equestrian artistry with the final of Chantilly’s Got Talent, one of the public’s favourite attractions. Created by Grand Prix Events, the competition celebrates the horse as an artist through performances by vaulters, liberty horses and equestrian entertainers.
The three finalists competing for the 2026 title are Laura Bellet, Amandine Vandermonst and Lili Lafont. Following the performances, spectators will vote alongside the judging panel to crown the winner, who will earn the unique opportunity to perform at a future international event organised by Grand Prix Events.
Sport, entertainment, equestrian artistry and family activities combine to make the 2026 Chantilly Classic CSI 4*, presented by Al Shira’aa a truly unmissable event for all generations.
Source: Press Release from Pascal Renauldon / Agence RB Presse for the Chantilly Classic
Photo: © Sara Bedu
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